GSA Awards $46.5M for 21st Cavalry Brigade Flight Training to System Studies & Simulation, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $46,456,845 ($46.5M)

Contractor: System Studies & Simulation, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2012-02-13

End Date: 2017-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,056 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 21ST CAV BRIGADE FLIGHT TRAINING SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: FORT HOOD, CORYELL County, TEXAS, 76544

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $46.5 million to SYSTEM STUDIES & SIMULATION, INC. for work described as: 21ST CAV BRIGADE FLIGHT TRAINING SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract value of $46.5M over approximately 5.5 years indicates significant investment in specialized training. 3. The NAICS code 541611 points to management consulting services, which may encompass training program development and execution. 4. The absence of small business participation is noted, requiring further investigation into potential impacts.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $46.5M for flight training services over 5.5 years averages around $8.4M annually. Benchmarking this against similar specialized military training contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but it appears to be within a reasonable range for complex, long-term training programs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, which typically allows for the widest possible range of bidders and promotes price discovery. This method is generally expected to yield competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for this contract. The competitive award process aims to ensure value for money, but ongoing monitoring is crucial to confirm cost-effectiveness throughout the contract's duration.

Public Impact

Ensures readiness and proficiency for the 21st Cavalry Brigade through specialized flight training. Supports the operational capabilities of military personnel by providing essential skill development. Potential economic impact through contract spending and support services in the Texas region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of small business participation.
Potential for cost overruns in time and materials contracts.
Contract duration extends over multiple fiscal years, requiring sustained budget allocation.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports critical military training needs.
Contract managed by GSA, a reputable contracting agency.

Sector Analysis

The defense sector, particularly specialized training services, often involves significant investment. Benchmarks for flight training can vary widely based on aircraft type, duration, and complexity. This contract's value appears substantial, reflecting the specialized nature of cavalry brigade flight operations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or potentially as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities were missed or if the nature of the services inherently limited small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) managed this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service. GSA is responsible for overseeing federal procurement and ensuring compliance with acquisition regulations, providing a layer of oversight.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type poses cost control risks.
No indication of small business participation.
Contract duration is lengthy (over 5 years).
Specific training details and performance metrics are not provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $46.5 million to SYSTEM STUDIES & SIMULATION, INC.. 21ST CAV BRIGADE FLIGHT TRAINING SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SYSTEM STUDIES & SIMULATION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $46.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-02-13. End: 2017-09-30.

What specific flight training services are included under this contract, and how do they align with the 21st Cavalry Brigade's mission requirements?

The contract details are limited, but the NAICS code 541611 suggests administrative and general management consulting services, which could encompass the development, management, and execution of flight training programs. The specific services would need to be detailed in the contract's statement of work to ensure alignment with the 21st Cavalry Brigade's operational needs and training objectives.

Given the time and materials contract type, what measures are in place to control costs and prevent potential overruns for this $46.5M award?

Time and materials contracts carry inherent risks of cost escalation. Effective oversight would involve rigorous monitoring of labor hours, material costs, and task completion. Establishing clear labor categories, rates, and material markups, along with regular performance reviews and audits, are crucial to managing costs and ensuring the government receives fair value.

How does the absence of small business participation impact the overall effectiveness and potential for innovation in this flight training contract?

The exclusion of small businesses might limit the diversity of approaches and innovative solutions that could be brought to the training program. While large contractors may have extensive resources, small businesses often offer specialized expertise and agility. The lack of small business involvement warrants consideration for future contracting strategies to ensure broader participation and leverage a wider talent pool.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: ID07120011

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 615 DISCOVERY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $65,865,234

Exercised Options: $46,628,200

Current Obligation: $46,456,845

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0566N

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline